Pearl Gourami: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
A large, graceful gourami with a pearl-spotted body. Needs 29 gallons or larger.
- Minimum tank
- 29 gallons
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- Group size
- One or more
- Adult size
- 4.5 inTop of the tank
- Peaceful for its size, but its long feeler fins are a target for fin nippers.
Trichopodus leerii. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many pearl gouramis per tank size
The most you could keep if pearl gouramis were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Pearl gourami, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small (needs 29+ gal) | |
| 10 gallon | Too small (needs 29+ gal) | |
| 20 gallon | Too small (needs 29+ gal) | |
| 29 gallon | Up to 5 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 8 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 11 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 15 | Plan this tank |
What you need for a pearl gourami in a 29-gallon tank
A starting setup: 1 pearl gourami in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
29-gallon tank
- These fit a 29-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 79°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Pearl gourami tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with pearl gouramis, with no warnings from our checks.
Use caution with: black skirt tetra, white cloud minnow, tiger barb, fancy goldfish, cherry shrimp, amano shrimp. Add them in the builder to see why.
Plan a tank around pearl gouramis
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderPearl gourami questions
What size tank does a pearl gourami need?
At least 29 gallons. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many pearl gouramis can I keep in a 29-gallon tank?
Up to about 5 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do pearl gouramis need a heater?
Usually yes. Pearl gourami does best at 75–82°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 29-gallon tank needs about 150 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with pearl gouramis?
Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, guppies. They share a temperature range and temperament with pearl gouramis.